Manipur, a state with a history spanning over 3,000 years, stands on the precipice of collapse. Once a thriving and vibrant society, it now faces an ongoing crisis that shows no sign of resolution. This crisis is unraveling the very fabric of the state, with the consequences increasingly evident in the form of lawlessness, disillusioned youth, and a fractured community grappling with fear, despair, and uncertainty. The time has come to ask: who will protect Manipur?
The heart of this crisis lies in the growing involvement of the youth in illegal and immoral activities, fueled in large part by the pervasive influence of social media. These young minds, once envisioned as the future of the state, now find themselves armed and embroiled in violence. The once hopeful aspirations of students and young professionals have been replaced by the grim reality of youths wielding guns—either driven by desperation to protect their homeland or seizing the opportunity to exploit the ongoing chaos for personal gain. This alarming trend has eroded the foundation of society: its youth. Once a beacon of hope and progress, the younger generation is now in a state of turmoil, leaving behind a void where dreams of a better future once thrived.
The government’s response to this crisis has been nothing short of dismal. The state machinery, paralyzed by political forces disconnected from the realities on the ground, has failed to address the growing crisis. Institutions meant to uphold law and order have largely failed in their responsibility, their reach limited to select areas while the rest of the state descends into an abyss of disorder and violence. Corruption, scams, and fraudulent activities have become the norm, further eroding public trust in a system that appears incapable of providing the safety and stability that the people so desperately need. The administration, once seen as the guardian of the people’s rights and welfare, has instead become a passive observer to the slow unraveling of the state.
The state’s failure to provide a sense of security is further exemplified by the alarming trend of exodus to metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai. This mass migration signifies more than just a shift in geographical residence; it reflects a profound loss of faith in the state’s future. People are abandoning their roots in search of opportunities elsewhere, where safety and stability appear more attainable. This exodus is not just an escape from violence and insecurity; it is a collective acknowledgment that the state, as it currently stands, cannot provide for its citizens’ aspirations or basic needs.
Compounding the crisis is the persistent violence that continues to plague the state, particularly the atrocities committed by armed groups like the Kuki militants. These groups continue to perpetrate violence against civilians, extort money, and sow fear and chaos in the state. The lack of accountability and effective countermeasures has only emboldened these armed elements, further undermining the state’s authority and ability to restore order. Questions abound about the government’s ability to provide justice and maintain sovereignty in the face of such brazen acts of violence.
In this state of lawlessness, the pressing question remains: who will save Manipur? The answer must come from the people, from a collective will to demand change. Civil society, concerned citizens, and the media must stand united in amplifying calls for genuine dialogue and decisive action. The people of Manipur, who have borne the brunt of this chaos for far too long, deserve more than empty promises and hollow rhetoric. The time has come for both the state and central governments to act with urgency—restoring peace, rebuilding institutions, and addressing the grievances of all communities. Without such a concerted effort to address the deep-rooted issues, Manipur risks losing not only its present but its future as well.
The consequences of inaction are dire. Every moment of delay brings the state closer to irrevocable ruin. It is crucial that we take action now to preserve Manipur’s heritage, dignity, and hope for future generations. The time to act is now—before the state slips beyond the point of no return. Let this be a clarion call for the protection of Manipur, for the safeguarding of its people, and for the restoration of its lost glory. The very survival of Manipur depends on the actions we take today.